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Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is celebrating faculty and staff who have made extraordinary contributions serving students, the institution and communities during the past year at RDP’s 2025 Awards of Excellence. The Awards of Excellence are given annually by the post-secondary institution as formal recognition for remarkable contributions from faculty and staff that extend beyond their job requirements. These contributions may be through innovation, leadership, excellence in service or teaching, making a positive impact at the institution, in communities or in their profession. This year, RDP received 31 nominations of faculty and staff from across the institution in six categories: Innovation Deanna Morin, Marketing and Promotions Strategist, Continuing Education and Corporate Training (CECT), has explored and implemented creative solutions in her role that help amplify the marketing and recruitment efforts for CECT camps, courses and programs. This has helped provide a range of learning opportunities for youth and adults. As a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) instructor, Raigne Symes has made a lasting impact on nursing education through her innovative use of AI, high-flex delivery and experiential learning. She fosters an inclusive, tech-forward environment that enhances student engagement, wellness and success. Leadership Kristin Edgar, Operations and Business Applications Manager, Continuing

When Alexandria King completed her Visual Art Diploma at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) in 2014, she left with not only foundational artistic skills but also a deep appreciation for the creative environment that helped shape her. Though she went on to pursue further post-secondary education in Edmonton, the desire to return to RDP never left her. “After I finished the diploma at Red Deer Polytechnic, I transferred to the University of Alberta to complete a degree,” King recalls. “I missed the RDP studio—the space was designed so mindfully. It always felt like home.” In 2016, King’s connection to the Polytechnic was rekindled when she was offered a role with the Series Summer Art Workshops, a long-standing program that has brought aspiring artists together with local, national and international instructors since 1984. “I received a position as a technician at Series Summer Art Workshops where I helped with preparing materials and supporting instructors and students,” she says. “It was a wonderful opportunity to come back to RDP and be surrounded by creative people again.” That opportunity marked the beginning of a re-immersion into the Polytechnic community. King eventually joined Red Deer Polytechnic as a staff member, finding herself once again in

Red Deer Polytechnic’s (RDP) Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing-Technology Access Centre (CIM-TAC) is embarking on a new applied research initiative aimed at transforming construction waste into high-value paving stones. This multi-year project for industry partner Sustainable Paving Stones (SPS) is funded in part with a $450,000 grant from Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA). RDP will undertake the project in a collaborative effort with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). This innovative project addresses a growing environmental challenge: the escalating volume of asphalt shingle waste. With landfills nearing capacity and an increase in severe hailstorms contributing to roof damage, finding sustainable solutions for this waste stream has become critical. Currently, cost-effective commercial methods to convert recycled asphalt shingles and pavement (RASP) into valuable products are lacking. SPS's innovative technology aims to fill this gap by producing paving stones from RASP, offering a lower-carbon alternative to traditional concrete pavers. This unique polytechnic consortium brings together diverse applied research expertise to support SPS in commercializing their technology. The primary objective is to design and build a commercial production unit capable of producing an impressive 9,000 pavers per hour. A key feature of this unit will

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has taken another step toward improving access to post-secondary education for Indigenous students by deferring the requirement of a tuition fee deposit. This initiative, a partnership between the Office of the Registrar and Indigenous Initiatives, expands upon last year’s policy of waiving the application fee for prospective Indigenous learners, making enrolment more accessible in RDP’s breadth of career-ready programs. “We are proud to continue removing barriers for Indigenous learners so they can pursue an education at RDP,” says Lloyd Desjarlais, Dean, Indigenous Initiatives, Red Deer Polytechnic. “The post-secondary funding many Indigenous students rely on is often not approved before the tuition deposit deadline, which creates financial challenges.” Previously, Indigenous students accepted into RDP’s credit programs had to pay a $400 tuition deposit to secure their place in a program and before registering for classes. For many Indigenous students, waiting on third-party funding made this step a barrier. Now, the tuition deposit is deferred until full tuition fees are paid, once funding has been secured. “This new process will help more Indigenous students pursue rewarding careers through enhanced education, training and applied research opportunities at the Polytechnic,” says Dr. Trish Nuyten, Dean of Enrolment Management and Registrar

Every year, RDP students have an opportunity to engage in intercultural and international experiences through global learning activities. Read the stories of three students and their experience with RDP Abroad. Jennine Baughman BSc in Biological Sciences Participating in the Biological Sciences program in Costa Rica through RDP Abroad was an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime, and life-changing experience. My main goal was to gain hands-on fieldwork experience in conservation and develop skills both in the field and adapting to life abroad — and I definitely achieved that. This program provided a valuable sneak peek into what a career in fieldwork entails, which is essential for anyone considering this path. I strongly recommend this experience to other students, especially those interested in conservation and field research, as it truly prepares you for the challenges and rewards of working outdoors. Jessie Horning BSc in Biological Sciences Program: Biological Sciences in Costa Rica My main goal in participating in the RDP Abroad program was to gain hands-on field experience in biology and to contribute to turtle conservation efforts. I also hoped to connect with like-minded individuals who shared my passion for the environment—and I’m happy to say all of those goals were met. This experience opened

Red Deer Polytechnic is pleased to announce that Michelle Mondeville will join the post-secondary institution’s leadership team as the next Director, Government Relations and Communications Strategy, starting on September 3. Michelle brings over 20 years of experience, working with all orders of government, and has held progressively responsible roles as a strategic communicator within government and post-secondary education. Most recently, she held positions as Director of Marketing and Communications with Concordia University of Edmonton and Executive Director, Corporate Communications with Alberta Innovates. Michelle holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications and Anthropology from York University, and is a member of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and the Canadian Public Relations Society where she served as a board member for the Edmonton Chapter for two years. She has also been an instructor at MacEwan University, focused on federal, provincial, and municipal legislative systems, regulatory issues, and non-profit sector lobbying. Currently residing in Sherwood Park, Michelle is looking forward to relocating to Red Deer this fall.

The RDP community brought an energetic buzz to Westerner Days 2025 with a bold parade presence and a bountiful breakfast that saw main campus packed with people and sweet syrup flowing. Festivities started on Wednesday, July 16, when staff, students and Rufus the Lion (RDP's mascot) hit downtown streets for the annual Westerner Days Parade. Our float, built in-house with support from the School of Trades and Technology, rolled through downtown like a mobile billboard showcasing RDP pride. With chants of “RDP” and a sea of waving flags, the energy was unmistakable (from more than 30 faculty and staff from across RDP who represented the Polytechnic, and from community members attending the parade). Then, on Friday, July 18, we traded flags for spatulas at our on-campus Pancake Breakfast. From the first sizzle of sausage to the last swirl of syrup, the Pancake Breakfast drew a hungry and enthusiastic crowd. More than 1,200 community members stopped by Parking Lot 1 for fluffy pancakes, fresh coffee and a morning filled with music and activity. Rewind Radio kept the beat while guests explored interactive booths showcasing RDP’s hands-on programs, applied research and training opportunities. There were lawn games, giveaways and plenty of great

While the variety of 2025 summer camps at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) are designed to help central Alberta youth develop practical skills and have fun, one unique camp has gone a step further—sparking interest in the skilled trades while addressing a social need. Held from July 7-11 on RDP’s main campus, the Building Skills for Tomorrow camp welcomed 11 youth aged 12 to 18 for a hands-on project with lasting social impact. Participants constructed potato planter boxes—each measuring four feet by two feet by two feet—for donation to the Red Deer Food Bank, connecting learning with community service. “I was excited to be part of this camp,” says David Flynn, RDP Carpenter instructor and camp lead. “It had an element of philanthropy while touching on renewable food sources and providing an introduction to carpentry. With Alberta experiencing a shortage of skilled trades workers, hopefully this camp helps to entice the younger generation to pursue a career in the skilled trades.” Beyond creating social impact, camp participants acquired real-world skills using hand and power tools safely, collaborating with peers and solving construction challenges. “The participants learned about design, scaling size and how to safely use a variety of tools, including a

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) continues to prepare students to address the technology and innovation needs across the province and nation. With the support of a $147,000 grant from Actua, Canada’s leading science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach organization, RDP’s Red Hot Science program will continue to grow hands-on learning experiences for learners. These initiatives include building skills in digital literacy, including a growing emphasis on critical thinking around artificial intelligence (AI). “We are grateful for this support from Actua which will continue to provide customized, immersive experiences for central Alberta students in elementary school, middle school and high school,” says David Pye, Dean, School of Trades and Technology, Red Deer Polytechnic. “Through these opportunities, youth will advance their knowledge in STEM, including AI, which could spark interest in pursuing a related career and helping to address a critical labour market need.” The Red Hot Science program is built on strong collaboration. Red Deer Polytechnic staff work with educators and community leaders to tailor STEM experiences for youth across the region. “At Red Deer Polytechnic, we’re passionate about making science and technology accessible and exciting for youth,” says Pamela Neumann, Red Hot Science Outreach Coordinator, Red Deer Polytechnic. “We

RDP has received a $1.75 M grant from NSERC and renewal of their Technology Access Centre designation to continue advancing applied research through the Polytechnic’s Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing Technology Access Centre.

RDP continues to demonstrate its commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) by becoming a participant in Dimensions: equity, diversity and inclusion Canada, a federal initiative to enhance EDI in post-secondary institutions.

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is pleased to welcome Owen Zarazun as the post-secondary institution’s new Director, Campus Management. He began his new role on June 23, 2025. In his role as a member of the Polytechnic Leadership team, Mr. Zarazun will oversee a diverse portfolio of departments. This includes providing strategic direction and leadership in maintaining facilities (including renovations and new construction projects). He will also oversee key support services, including security, occupational health and safety, materials management, janitorial services, bookstore and food services. “We look forward to having Owen join us in his new role,” says Jim Brinkhurst, Vice President, Finance and Administration & Chief Financial Officer. “Owen’s leadership experience and technical expertise will serve him well as we continue to enhance RDP’s facilities and services to best serve our students, industry partners and community members, creating welcoming learning and working environments across our campuses.” Mr. Zarazun joins the Polytechnic after his most recent role at Equs REA Ltd., where he served as Vice President of Operations. Prior to that, he served as Director, Facility Operations, at Mount Royal University. Taking on his new role at RDP, Mr. Zarazun is pleased to return to Alberta's post-secondary sector. “I am